New Zealand – Paradise for nature and adventure lovers!

There was an intense silence during our journey to Fox Glacier. Finally, our first family activity in New Zealand was about to materialize!

The supposedly dry summer had taken a turn after we landed in Christchurch. We often “took refuge” in the museums from the rain. As the days crawled by, the weather did not cheer up and activities were cancelled.

The silence was finally broken when our guide announced: “The heli flight is confirmed taking off!” It was the best gift, when we boarded our helicopter flying above fox glacier and having such a close up view of New Zealand’s highest and largest peak, Mt Cook. It was a magical moment -I was secretly hoping for it to snow but was appreciative enough to have made the flight and had a snowball fight on the mountains. On our way back, I didn’t bade farewell but said: “See you tomorrow, Fox Glacier!”

The next morning, we were ready for our fox glacier trek. Fox glacier is fed by the vast snowfields that drain the Southern Alps. At latitude of only forty-four degrees south and in a relatively mild climate, no other glacier in the world is as easily accessible. We started our climb along a “secret” track that brought us through native rainforest stopping just before the majestic ice pinnacles to put on our crampons and get ready for the ice challenge!

Our trip had taken a brighter note when we arrived in Queenstown, nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and overlooked by Remarkables Mountain Range. We went to Dart Horse Stables, situated at Lake Wakatipu, across the Rees and Dart Rivers. This stunning part of the country was captured in the epic movie ‘The Lord of the Rings’. We took a short but scenic drive along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, and arrived at Paradise. Here, we were greeted by the friendly sheepdog, the horses and the riding crew. The guides satisfied all our riding queries and allocated suitable horses. My son, Ming, a six year old looked especially “professional” on Tinsel, who had also starred in “Lord of the Rings”. Tinsel was tall, handsome and really obedient. Ming was so good on him that he was riding by himself and impressed the guide on his skills! The breathtaking scenery that came with the ride was awe-inspiring.

Our last activity before leaving New Zealand was the Routeburn Track. The trek started as we strolled through the beech forest. The forest is so rich in natural resources that it is known as“one of the most superb walking area in the world”. Through our knowledgeable guides, we had a better understanding of the ecology of the ancient beech forest, New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna.

Written By: Tan Siew Yim Trip organized by Country Holidays. To learn more about tours and packages, please email beijing@countryholidays.com.cn or call (010) 8587-9263 and log onto: www.countryholidays.com.cn.